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Best sailing destinations in Oceania

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Whitsunday Islands
Paradise within Great Barrier Reef
9.0
Captain Cook sailed the Endeavour through the islands on June 3, 1770 and named the passage Whitsundays' Passage. The group has 74 islands and is one of the most popular yachting destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. Chartering a yacht and bareboating are common ways to explore. Whitehaven Beach has white sand.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Hardy and Bait Reefs
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Whitehaven Beach
  • ⛵ Sail the turquoise waters between the beautiful islands
Bay of Islands
Sunlit coves echo with ancient legends
9.4
The bay holds 144 islands within an area of roughly 100 square miles. Urupukapuka is the largest. Russell, once called Kororāreka, was the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand. Cape Brett extends about 6 miles into the Pacific at the eastern end. Sailing is among the area's most popular pastimes.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learn indigenous history
  • 🛶 Kayak through limestone caves at Te Puna Marae
  • ⛵ Sail to Russell, explore historic whaling village
French Polynesia
Paradise of Crystal Clear Lagoons
8.9
The territory has 121 islands and atolls in five groups. The Tuamotus alone have 80 atolls. The Marquesas have 12 high islands. The Leeward Society Islands include five high islands and four atolls. Polynesian navigators crossed these waters by celestial navigation. Captain Cook visited Tahiti in 1769, 1773 and 1777.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel the coral gardens of Moorea’s turquoise lagoon
  • 🤿 Dive with sharks and manta rays in Rangiroa
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater bungalow above the Bora Bora lagoon
Tonga
Tropical paradise with volcanic islands
7.8
Captain Cook's visit in 1773 led Westerners to call Tonga the Friendly Islands. The kingdom has 171 islands and only 45 are inhabited. Total land area is about 290 square miles. About 70% of the 100,179 residents live on Tongatapu. The 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption sent a tsunami onto parts of the islands.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Discover blowholes at Mapu'a 'a Vaea coast
  • 🗿 Explore the ancient Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon
  • 🐋 Swim with humpback whales in Ha'apai waters
New Caledonia
Tropical Paradise with French Flair
8.0
Six lagoons of the barrier reef gained UNESCO status in 2008. The lagoon covers about 9,300 square miles and is one of the largest in the world. Nouméa was founded as Port-de-France in 1854 and is the capital. The Loyalty Islands have four inhabited islands called Ouvéa, Lifou, Tiga and Maré.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Swim in the turquoise waters of the Natural Pool at Île des Pins
  • 🏛️ Explore Kanak culture at Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre
  • 🌅 Climb to the top of Amédée Lighthouse for stunning views
Bora Bora
Turquoise Lagoons, Overwater Dreams
8.4
A barrier reef encircles the island and leaves a single ocean opening. Teavanui Passage on the west side is the entrance for large ships. Boats must stay in the channel because the water outside it is shallow. Mount Otemanu rises 2,385 feet above a lagoon that ranges from dark indigo to pastel blue.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Take a private boat tour around Mount Otemanu
  • 🏝️ Stay overnight in a classic overwater bungalow
  • 🐠 Snorkel crystal-clear lagoon with rays and tropical fish
Tasmania
Wilderness, Wildlife and Wild Coasts
8.7
Matthew Flinders and George Bass sailed through Bass Strait in 1798 and 1799 and proved Tasmania was an island. Hobart is on the Derwent River and is the finish of the Sydney to Hobart race. D'Entrecasteaux Channel separates Bruny Island from the main island. Maria Island and Wineglass Bay lie along the east coast.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Tour the convict ruins at Port Arthur Historic Site
  • ⛰️ Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park trails
  • 🏖️ Hike to Wineglass Bay and marvel at its white sand
Marlborough
Wine Country Meets Stunning Coastal Sounds
8.7
Sea-drowned valleys form sounds covering about 1,500 square miles. Their winding coastline makes up roughly one tenth of New Zealand's total. Picton is at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound and Havelock at the head of Pelorus Sound. The main channels have calm water. Currents make French Pass dangerous for boats.
Highlights:
  • 🚴‍♀️ Cycle the scenic Marlborough Wine Trail through rolling hills
  • 🚤 Cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds by boat
  • 🍷 Savor world-class Sauvignon Blanc wines in local vineyards
Sydney
Where urban life meets stunning beaches
8.7
Yachts leave Sydney for Hobart every Boxing Day in a race of about 630 nautical miles. Nine boats started the first one in 1945. LDV Comanche set the record in 2017 at 1 day 9 hours and 15 minutes. Bass Strait is known for strong winds and rough seas.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden sands of Bondi Beach
  • 🎭 Admire the Sydney Opera House from Circular Quay
  • 🌉 Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic views
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